Punjab schools told to hire 10% additional drivers, conductors

The Punjab State Child Rights and Development Commission on Friday directed all schools in the state to recruit 10% additional trained drivers and conductors for buses who can work during the leave period of drivers and conductors.

The Punjab State Child Rights and Development Commission on Friday directed all schools in the state to recruit 10% additional trained drivers and conductors for buses who can work during the leave period of drivers and conductors.

Taking a strong view of untrained drives and conductors plying school buses during the leave period of regular staff, the commission observed that the life of lakhs of schoolchildren cannot be allowed to be put in danger by handing over buses to untrained drivers.

Directing a standard operating procedure, the commission directed that each school must have 10% additional drivers and conductors who would take charge of the school transport during the leave period of the driver and conductor. The school would ensure that relievers fulfil the qualification laid down by Supreme Court for school buses.

Giving directions to principals and the school managements, the commission directed that the relievers should have a driving licence and experience of handling heavy vehicles. The authorities were told to ensure that Supreme Court guidelines under the 'Safe Vahan Scheme' were not flouted.

District transport and education officers were told to send the compliance report to the commission within 15 days.